Illegal immigrant pleads guilty in driving death
An illegal immigrant from Guatemala was convicted today of killing a Chesterfield County woman in a drunken-driving crash that left the victim pinned against the side of a convenience store.
Alberto Candino Bamaca, 39, pleaded guilty in Chesterfield Circuit Court to involuntary manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence in the Aug. 2 death of Carol A. Cooper, 53, of the 2400 block of Alfalfa Lane. Circuit Judge Michael C. Allen accepted Bamaca's pleas and set sentencing for April 9.
According to evidence, Bamaca was driving drunk about 11:40 p.m. when he pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store at Jefferson Davis Highway and Dundas Road. While apparently attempting to park, Bamaca struck Cooper in the lot, pinning her between Bamaca's minivan and the side of the building.
Bamaca then jumped out the vehicle and ran.
"One of the bystanders [at the scene] had to back the vehicle up to get this lady free from the building," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Dennis Duncan, who prosecuted the case. Cooper died at the scene.
Police tracked Bamaca down several hours later and arrested him.
"He admitted he had been drinking, admitted he'd been in the crash and admitted he knew he did wrong," Duncan said.
Police determined that Bamaca, who was living in the 7100 block of Wentworth Street, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.11, three points higher than the legal limit of 0.08.
Duncan said Bamaca's attorney acknowledged in court today that his client was living here illegally -- a fact already established by police.
Defense attorney Jose Aponte said later after today's hearing that Bamaca has lived here several years and has a wife and young child. Bamaca worked as a laborer and, until Aug. 2, had "no problems since he got here," Aponte said.
Bamaca feels "tremendously" bad about Cooper's death, Aponte added.
Because Bamaca could speak little English, an interpreter was used to help question him after his arrest and again in court today for his trial, Duncan said.
Contact Mark Bowes at (804) 649-6450 or .
Reader Reactions
His sentencing has been post pined at this time the people who loved and care about her had a chance to tell the court, about their loss prior to sentencing. I do not think he will get the time he deserves due to the way the laws are in VA. We can only hope he will. He left a person pinned to a wall took his things out of the car and ran. I decent citizen had to pull the car off her, who ever you are Thank You for trying.If any one witnessed the incident please email me at Thanks she was my fiancée
Law-enforcement has changed over the years, now its look in a book, find a charge, charge somebody with something then fill the jail up with stupid ridiculous charges on people who mostly are not really bad. The people who kill people and drug dealers and the like go unharassed, because its to much effort and trouble to go after them.
So much space in our jails is wasted and peoples lives are ruined by a unjust justice system, that feeds on its self profit, by lawyers who push plea bargains get paid for nothing. No body cares anymore and GOD HELP YOU if you stand up to them.
Its all a game and innocent people pay the price. Criminals and I am referring to real criminals not some poor smuck that made some bad decision, are getting away with what they want. The arrogant police and court system treat our citizens as if we are without rights and our State and Federal constitution don’t exist. As for people who kill driving drunk, It is a HOMICIDE and in my opinion a willful act. They know they are drunk, they know that shouldn’t drive. When I used to have a drink I wouldn’t think about driving because unless you a IDIOT you know it impairs you! that is a willful act. They drank it, they drove, they killed.
Drunk driving sentences involving death are way to lenient .This illegal and all others that kill when behind the wheel should be treated as if they had a gun .
The truth is these immigrants do not understand our law or care about them, Most have no education and if the cops are after them they pick up and go, just like how they got here. If the are so eager to be here let them come here legally, one side of my family came here in the 1800s and did it legally, their descendants are now well know doors, businessman and woman, and one works for the justice department. Do we really believe that these illegals are here to accomplish these things? No they make minimum wage and send it back to south America were it is worth upward of three times here, they don’t want to be “ Americans” and they have shown by their actions that they are in no way concerned about America. Wake up get real it is in your face!
I was Carol fiancee, we had been together for all most 12 years. She was working with law-enforcement to help keep Chesterfield citizens safe from some serious criminals. She worked with me as a over the road truck driver and she loved to write. He took her life yet we are supposed to worry about how sorry he is? Is he sorry that her three grandchildren don’t have her any more, was he so sorry he left her crushed against a wall ? I was at the trail and witnesses say He and his friend took the time to get their things and papers out of the car? Was he really that Drunk? I hope he gets all the time he can and as for that area of the county, they broke in our apt. while she lie dead on the street. I think there is a whole lot more to this but I am not at liberty to say at this time. I will keep everyone updated. Remember she was working with law-enforcement. I do know the truth. I guess he will not get what he really deserves.
Tony
How many people have been killed by US citizens driving drunk? We only seem to care about this epidemic when we can find an rally around the hatred of illegal immigrants. If we are really concerned about death by drunk driving, do something to curb the deaths by all drivers in the US, including the illegals!
If you check court records , you’ll find many of these aliens that commit driving offences are often just fined .They walk thru the system ,no one checks to see if they’re legal they just say pay fine which they don’t do .They run hide and continue to commit more crimes .CHECK THE RECORDS ONLINE CHESTERFIELD COURTHOSE .
I have read all the comments and I can not believe I am going to say this due to my very strong beliefs on our immigration issues. It did not matter that this was an illegal or US citizen. This was a tragedy and could have happened to anyone. Yes the United States has a huge illegal alien problem and our government needs to address and rectify this problem. This area of Chesterfield is little Mexico/Guatemala and maybe some more patrol time needs to be addressed in this area from the State Policed and local.
This is an ongoing problem in (that section of) Chesterfield County. What was it, about a year ago a drunken illegal snuffed-out an entire family on Walmsley Boulevard, by smashing into them head-on at a high rate of speed. A couple days ago some moron totals his moped—a moped of all things—in that same area. I could go on & on with examples…
I don’t believe Chesterfield is doing enough to stem the death & destruction in this area. One has to wonder why, considering their past reputation of being tough on crime. Perhaps they love our illegal friends and do not want to harass them.
Example #87562987256348756380967568052 of why we must remove illegal aliens from this country and not capitulate to them.
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